Customer Reviews

Tivoli Audio Model Two AM/FM Table Radio with Stereo Speaker, Cherry/Metallic Taupe

5 star:		(52)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

First off - the radio is beautifully simple, and sounds remarkably good for what it is. I have really enjoyed listening to it, and it's total lack of any "harsh edges" means you can listen for hours. It also looks just fantastic, and is quite compact.

But there are a few minor issues. As others have mentioned, the tuning dial is rather difficult to see in low light due to inadquate contrast between the brown background and gray numbers. That's not that big a deal, but it's a slight annoyance.

Reception on FM is at least as good as any component tuner that I have tried, maybe better, even with the little monopole antenna supplied, or even with nothing/internal antennna. With a real external antenna, I'm quite sure that if the station was there, you'd hear it.

Reception on AM, however, is nothing to write home about, and with no external antenna input it's a little difficult to correct. I got a Terk AM Advantage loop antenna and used it in "inductive coupling" mode, and that helps somewhat. But some stations are still very marginal. I'm close to opening it up and adding an external antenna input. I am in the process of making a very large loop antenna (hiding it by building it into a picture frame!) and that should solve it. But I suspect even a simple antenna, directly feeding the radio, would work better.

Tuning is like the good old days, of course - turn the dial until you hear it best. It also has the modern equivalent of the "tuning neon lamp" on old tube tuners - an LED that indicates "tune". Analog is the right way to go.The knob is geared down 5:1 so you can really move it without overdoing it. But I have noticed that sometimes the LED is "rate-sensitive". If you turn the knob quickly, you can really get it bright, but if you turn it slow, you can never get it as bright no matter what you do. This is just a minor irritation. A slightly more difficult issue is that there seems to be a lot of "slop" in the gear mechanism. Turn it one way until you go past peak, then back, and it takes a fair amount of turning the opposite way until it moves at all. It *feels* great.

I have been running it back-to-back with my real stereo, and of course it has some limitations. What do you expect for $159 and 3-inch speakers? My real system is probably 20-30 times the cost. Somewhat surprisingly, the biggest practical limitations seem to be on the high frequency end. The low end, even without the accessory subwoofer, seems plenty good enough for real music. It's very slightly boomy at the very bottom of it's range, but nothing overly objectionable. I can't imagine needing the subwoofer.

You definitely give up something on the high end, however, This can actually be good in some cases - listing to the local jazz station on a real hi-fi reveals the limitations of old reel-to-reel recording from the 50's in the form of tape hiss. It can really get on your nerves after a while. The Tivoli filters this out and has a very listenable, if not perfectly accurate, sound. There are no tone controls, but that's not a problem, and most high-end hi-fi preamps don't have tone controls, either. It gets more than loud enough, BTW.

The case (cherry wood) is beautifully made and really adds to the "retro" look. The whole system has a very solid and substantial feel.

It's not obvious, but there's are several external line-level inputs with which you can add external sources. For example, you can use the radio as your computer speaker, and it will mix the radio with the computer sounds. Or us the auxiliary input and add something else - like a portable CD player.

I have listened extensively to the Bose Wave (the obvious competitor for expensive table radios), and there's NO comparison in terms of sound quality. The Tivoli is MUCH better, in my opinion. Given that it's also far less expensive, if that's the alternative, buy two Tivolis.

Overall, I am very satisfied with my purchase. If it had a way to add an external AM antenna, it would be close to perfect.

I started of with the Tivoli Model One and graduated to the Model Two. He sound and design either appeals to you or it dosent.

In my opinion the Model Two sounds twice as good as the Model One. The stereo brings a lot more life to the music.

I enjoy the Two for what it is, a compact good sounding stereo that is elegantly simple. No LCD or digital tuning, no buttons. It was designed by someone who understood a knob is just fine and a remote control would be overkill. I am sure there are those who are unable to cope with a "tuning knob". This is not a radio for those who can not handle that sort of challenge but if you want to try and develop your skills the radio includes an instruction manual or maybe you can have a friend coach you... I suspect the tuning knob and model 2 will be working long after the push button radios with, memories, LCDs, and remote controls have died and are polluting the land fill with all the other modern junk that does not last. Henry built radios to last. Check the KLH radios still in service on ebay and you might develop an appreciation for the design of this radio.

I opened my model one and was grateful for the rare sight that greeted me inside. In an age of stamped surface mount components that could fit on the head of a pin and stand no chance of ever being repaired, the Model one and Model two use individual components. That is - resistors and components that are the kind you would recognize - not a bunch of microscopic chips mounted on a disposable board. If I have a chance I will photograph the inside and post it in the photos of the Model one and two for a rare glimpse of an item a human can solder. It is a bit comforting to me to see a device that could be repaired if it ever needed it. I believe the components and construction contribute the excellent sound.

The Model 1, 2 and sub woofer do not use wall transformers (power vampires that burn electricity even when the unit is turned off). When you turn it off - its off. Not so with the CD player. I had to put that on a switched power strip to prevent it from needlessly polluting when it's turned off.

I liked my model 2 so much I put one in the kitchen, office, bedroom and even living room next to the monster stereo for times when I am reading and don't want to fire up the tubes.

The radio model two does not pretend to be a boom box rig that you will feel thumping on your chest. One look should tell you it's not that sort of radio.

The audio power output of the Model one is 10 watts. The audio output of the Model two is 20 watts. 10 watts per channel. For some reason Tivoli refused to tell me the power output on the radios when I called them. This is odd. The paper work on the first ones I purchased listed it. The later purchases do not. Are they hiding something?

If you like the model one you should take a listen to the model two. The stereo is well worth the extra cost. The speakers can be separated quite a bit for good stereo imaging even in a large room. It's a far better design and far better sounding than the well advertised Bose. It's ridiculous for all in one units to have speakers close together and INSEPARABLE. You limit the distance the stereo effect is best (maximum is about 2 to 2.5 times the distance the speakers are apart). On the Bose you can quickly see the best stereo effect is diminished a few feet from the speakers because they are so close together. With the model one you can spread the speaker many feet apart (or close together) for a much better stereo image that matches where you are listening. Duh...

Henry did use his audio sensibility on the design. It is essentially 2 wood speaker cabinets with a radio in one, with strong reminders of the KLH heritage The cabinets, rear fire ducted bass ports and first class electronics are responsible for a surprisingly good sound. With 3 inch speakers you might need a sanity check if you expect window shaking bass. But there is enough bass for classical and modern music enjoyment for most listeners. I don't think you will find too many of these in collage dorms. I think it more and adult radio for those concerned with good clean sound rather than mega watts. My clock radio is a Boston Acoustic and it sounds good but the bass is over emphasized. The Model 2 sounds far better to me.

I find the reception is very good. If your having trouble in a fringe area add several (up to 30 feet) of thin wire to the external antenna and flip the switch to external and you will be pulling in the most distant stations clearly. If the signal is good in your area the internal antenna (which is the power cord) should work just fine.

I find the volume to be more than enough.

As time went on I did purchase the subwoofer for the 2 . In the Model 2s case the sub fills out the sound, The 5 inch speaker in the woofer does add to the overall sound in a positive way. I think it's a worthwhile upgrade but not a requirement. If you find you like the model 2 and want more of that good sound, the sub can add to it.

The CD player is also enjoyable. It all looks good and works well together. I do play an MP3 player through my model 2s and it works great. In the fall when we rent a cabin in a remote area, I bring along the model 2 and an MP3 player for unlimited music during our stay. The Model 2 is so small it travels well. I had not thought of this use when I purchased this radio, but it made perfect sense. While we have power at the cabins, you can power the model 2 off a 12 volt power source including a battery.

If you're looking for a modest sized radio, I would not hesitate to recommend this setup to an adult who enjoys music and younger people who are not volume hungry.

When I first looked at this radio I thought it was attractive and sounded great. As I used it I realized how well it was designed by an expert. It meets my needs on many levels. It is a good value.

I must say, this radio is simply wonderful. I can honestly say that there is not another radio that I have heard that can be compared with the Tivoli Model Two. This radio has a warmth, crispness, and a silky smoothness that mass market plastic stereos simply can not match.
This radio is very detailed and very musical. I used the Model Two with the Model Subwoofer and was simply amazed. The subwoofer is not like the ones in a boom box or small plastic stereo. The subwoofer simply ads to or extends the bass response of the Model Two table radio. The subwoofer does not make its presence known. If you close your eyes and take your thoughts off of the radio itself, the equipment seems to disappear and you are left focusing on the music and not the radio that is playing the music.
The radio is not a thump box; it is not something that you would jam with. It is too elegant for that. The radio is rather better suited for musical enjoyment. I did not think that I would call a table radio elegant or say that a table radio has a sense of class and style. The cabinets are made of cherry wood and give the radio an expensive look.
I can honestly say that if you are looking for a true music system that will bring you music without any hype, fancy displays, and are looking for an excellent bargain, then the Model Two is for you. There is simply nothing out there that is in the same league with it.

I purchased the Model Two along with the Model CD and Model Subwoofer. It has a beautiful warm tone that I can listen to for hours and never get tired of.

The wood cabinate is stunning. It's a work of art to look at. Simplicity does have it draw backs though. Like many others on this site, I read as many reviews of this radio as I could before taking the plunge and I thought I knew what I was getting into before buying.

The tuning drifts off station frequently. I have a Magnum Dynalabs Silver Ribbon antenna attached and it pulls in all my stations with ease but the drifting problem is annoying. I expected better given the rave reviews from this site among others. Don't get me wrong, I love the sound quality of this radio but the tuner is pathetic considering the price I paid. Personally I would prefer a digital tuner.

I also wish it had a remote control. I know this is supposed to be a simple radio but would it hurt to add a remote? I also wish the Model CD were a 3 disk changer. It would fit in the cabinate with ease and for the price I paid it should be.

Overall I'm less than pleased with the radio. I guess it comes down to this one question, would I buy it again? NO. For sheer sound quality I would definately buy it again IF it had digital tuning. For features and ease of use, I probably would opt for the Bose Wave Radio or even the Cambridge Sound Works. Also, check out the new products coming from Eton.com, they have some awesome looking radios coming soon. Sangean also has some good looking table radios that are worth considering. I love my electronics and this radio just doesn't have enough features or the performance to make me say WOW!

Edit: I've lived with this thing long enough. It has to go back for a refund because it can't hold a station. I listen to Mix 105.1 in Orlando, FL where I live. This radio cannot hold the station without drifting for more than half an hour. I constantly have to re-tune the radio to get clear reception. For the record, I have tried it with the internal antenna and I even purchased a Magnum Dynalabs Silver Ribbon antenna. The Silver Ribbon helped somwhat but not enough to satisfy me. I also own the new Sony ICF-M1000 "The Radio" with digital tuning and it puts the Tivoli to shame where reception is concerned. I just wish the Sony had an optional stereo speaker and subwoofer.

I consider myself an audiophile and I'm pretty particular about my electronics but I really like this radio. For the record I never post reviews like this but I thought my experiences might help some future potential buyers. When deciding to buy a table radio I narrowed my choices to the Boston Acoustics Receptor, Cambridge Soundworks 730 and the Tivoli Model or Two. My priorties were in this order: (1) great tuner, (2) sounds good, and (3)looks sharp. The only one I could check out locally was the Receptor (Best Buy) and while it is supposed to have a great tuner, I thought it sounded a little muffled (too warm) and I really didn't like the looks for $160. That left me with the Cambridge 730 and the Tivoli's and I would really like to have compared them side by side but that would mean ordering both via the net and boxing up and returning one, although very temping. I finally decided on a Tivoli because of it's physical footprint, the Cambridge taking up alot more room.

Now which do I get the Model one or Model Two, that was a tough decision. I decided on the Model Two because it meant more volume (plus stereo) out of the radio considering I'd already compromised on getting a smaller radio. When I first hooked it up I was really disappointed because although it sounded good it just had too much hiss on most of the stations I could bring in and I was ready to send it back. I live in a rural area and most of my radio stations are 50 to 60 miles away plus my intertainment area in my house is in my basement. I thought maybe I should have tried the Model one because it is mono and maybe it would have worked even though the Model Two has an auto-blend to mono circuit for weak stations. I decided to try one more thing before I sent it back, I ran some coax from my outside multi-directional tv antenna (on a 30ft tower)that I use for HD signals for my HD tv, boy what a difference. I now get tons of FM stations with great reception and no hiss!

I know some who have bought the Tivoli's have suggested the different models have different tuner reception, but I don't buy that and if you ask the manufacturer I'm sure they would say there are all identical. The difference between the Model one and the Model Two is that the former is tuned to a warmer sound thus a perception of more bass and less treble, plus being mono. This results in weaker FM staions not being as objectionable since you won't be as bothered (less highs) as much by the hiss. The Model Two is more neutral sounding with better highs but maybe not as much bass which in turn makes listening to weaker FM stations less pleasant because the hiss is more noticeable. That's it nothing more, nothing less.

So I would highly recommend the Model Two if you have reasonally strong FM signals in your area, otherwise you might be better off with the Model One. If you feed the Model Two with a strong FM signal it really sings bringing in lots of stations, sounds great looks great! Whereas the Model Two is neural sounding some may think it needs more bass, but that's where the Model Subwoofer comes in. Most people will think it's fine (and it is) but picky like I am I will probaly go ahead and get the subwoofer. Also the FM being so superior, the AM sucks, I am going to get the Terk AM Advantage to get the most out of my Model Two. One last thing, since the printing on the faceplate is kind of hard to read it might be worth checking out the white on black version. Give the Model Two a try you might think it's the best little radio you ever imagined.

I just bought this system a week ago for my office. The sound quality is superb. Richer and better balanced than the Bose wave. If you're old enough to remember the KLH kitchen radio, this is its baby brother. Much smaller and much nicer sounding though. I for one am happy to see a completely analogue system. I'm no long impressed with a gazillion LEDs winking at me. Simple, elegant and great sounding the unit also has a stylish look not found in portables. While the unit sounds wonderful on it's own, it sounds even richer with matching sub-woofer. I just picked that up today. I'm in a tough area for reception but manage just fine with the external antenna they provide. I haven't found a product I like this much in ages.

I was in need of a small stereo for my very small 2 bedroom condo. I am not a technophile but I did do a bit of research and decided to give this unit a try. (I also purchased the optional subwoofer.) I am very pleased! I listen to jazz mostly and am quite suprised how rich, deep, and warm the sound is out of this tiny unit. Another concern of mine regarded reception. I live in a suburb of Los Angeles and with my old tuner it was sometimes a bit of a hassle to get a clear signal on our one main jazz station out here. That is not the case with this unit. I attached the optional external FM antenna and am recieving the signal with no problem. I cannot imagine getting a better sound for less than $300. But, know what you are getting and you will be pleased. If you want a full "surround sound" system this doesn't come close.

The reason for the "4.9 stars" is simply visual. It looks good as it is, not great. The shape/form is beautiful and very well constructed. The color is my main gripe. I would give this unit "6 stars" if I had the color choices available in Tivoli's other products. That piano black would look very sweet here. The speaker grills have a muddy brown/reddish color and the cherry is very conservative and a bit boring. (I teach art history and I guess I'm allowed to be a snob on color.) I am really thinking about having one of my art students paint the units. This excellent product deserves a better color.

Finally, I highly recommend this product if you are looking for a small and great sounding stereo for under $300.

First of all, I see there's a bit of controversy out here about hiss, and whether the sub is worth the money. I hope to clarify this in simple terms. To begin with, I have an audiophile quality system. Conrad Johnson, Tandberg, NAD, Celestion components, yet having moved into a new home, I didn't want to see all those components and speakers in my living room with new wood floors. I had hoped that this system with the sub would fit the bill, but was rather skeptical, after reading reviews here. So here's my vote. Get the Model 2, and get the sub. It's all worth it, but you'll never "hear" it, until it's set up properly. First off, I'm a ham; and anyone can tell you, that you're only as good as your antenna. I used a roof mount full size FM antenna as my baseline reference, but didn't want it on my roof. I replaced it quite nicely with the Radio Shack 15-1859 for $24.99. However, like the speakers, placement is everything. I put on headphones and tuned it to a difficult station, then moved the antenna until it was clear, so I could move free of the unit without having to be in front of the speakers to listen. Wa-la.. After a few minutes of testing, I attained absolutely noisless signal and along with it; perfect spacial seperation. Next, I found that the speaker placement is very critical to set the proper soundstage, and get "as it was intended to be heard" seperation. I did buy the sub, but for now, leave it turned off. Also, don't rely on leaving the balance centered. I had to tweak it, so don't be afraid to. Try putting on some Andres Segovia and keep adjusting the balance until you hear the "open ambiance" of the auditorium he played in. Listen to attain a spacial result. Then you're set. NOW turn on your sub. Also, to those who say the sub isn't needed. Fooey. It's well worth the money, and provides the third leg of the triangle to truly present what this system can do. Once all that is set, knock yourself out. It's a no brainer, and yes, again; the sub is "required" and well worth it. For references as to what this system can do, try Patrick O'Hearn/Metaphor, Andreas Vollenweider/Book of Roses, and Tower of Power/Soul Vaccination (LIVE). They will let you hear what this baby can do. Kinda like driving a Porsche on a straight road at 40 mph, and saying "it's not that hot". Context is everything. Hope this helped. Again, what I found to be necessary were, signal quality, speaker placement/balance adjustment, without sub; then sub added. For me, this system is a keeper, and will keep my former audio system packed away for now. To me, unobtrusiveness; from "invisible" components, and "is that coming out of that?" performance, is coming out on top, and winning big. Go for it. It's a rare find, and a great value.

The sound quality of this radio is amazing. I've hooked it up to my DVD/CD deck (it has an aux input) and now use it as my bedroom stereo and DVD sound system. With the help of the matching subwoofer , this unit produces robust, stereo sound that can match if not surpass that of many mini/shelf systems that cost up to $.... The lack of remote and digital controls does not bother me a bit. I personally think a little effort for the enjoyment of superior sound quality is worth it.

A $...CD unit with matching design is available for those who want a complete system in terms of sound and looks. However, for those just in pursuit of good, value-maximized sound, I suggest you hook it up to your own used CD deck or even a good quality discman.

If you haven't heard the Kloss Model Two yet, you should. The many positive reviews simply don't do the warm, rich sound justice (those are two adjectives that you'll see a lot in reviews of Kloss products). You'll find yourself wondering how a single 3" driver in each unit can produce sound detailed enough to reproduce the tap of clarinet valves in Copland's clarinet concerto or the steady breathing of Andrew Manze as he attacks a baroque violin sonata. The aesthetic of the whole Kloss line is alluring as well: real wood cabinets, large knobs, a clean and simple retro design . . . all point back to a time when music was less filtered through technological wizardry. Not that Kloss doesn't benefit from wizardy . . . the heart of the radio reciever is state of the art cell phone technology that locks in stations, even those with weak signals. And at 159.00, this system is a bargin.

Still, despite everything above, I carefully packed up and returned my Kloss Model Two after a couple days. Why? Two reasons. First, underneath the excellent sound was a distinctly audible level of distortion -- a low level hiss --that occurred when the radio was on. This was not noticeable when the volume was somewhat up, but at lower levels, once I heard it, I couldn't forget it was there. I thought that it might be the wall power supply, followed the directions and made sure that no other appliances were plugged in or fans were on. It was still there. By way of comparison, I plugged in my old AIWA mini system . . . and heard no hiss. By day four I had fallen in love with the look and sound quality, but just couldn't get around the persistant hiss. Perhaps it's not surprising. Tivoli is a fine company, but the power circuitry of a 159.00 radio simply can't be crystal clear. Something's got to give at that level.

The other issue comes when one considers adding the Model CD. I have not used it. I contemplated getting it, but the 200.00 price tag (in addition to the 159.00 paid for the Model Two) began to push the price tag up there. The addition of the Subwoofer puts you close to 450.00, tax not included. This is not a negative on overall sound quality, simply what you get -- and what you could get -- for the money paid.

I may go back to the Tivoli, maybe sooner rather than later and forget about the hiss and the cost for the entire system. It would sure look good in my living room -- much better than the AIWA. And it would sure sound better too. Perhaps Tivoli might upgrade components . . . I wouldn't mind paying a little more (my frugalness above notwithstanding) for crystal clear sound.

If you're considering a Tivoli, I would urge to try it. You may like it. There might be no hiss, or it might not bother you. Chances are you'll be astounded by the sound and the look.

Update: About a year after I wrote this review I decided to give the Tivoli Model Two another chance -- this time as a system for my office. I'm very happy to report that one year into owning the Tivoli I'm tremendously pleased with the product. The low-level humming, which I complained of above, was unique to the electrical system in my home. In my office, there's no background noise. Everything positive that you hear about the Tivoli is true -- rich, warm, involving sound; terrific reception of hard to lock onto radio stations; etc. I've recommended Tivoli to several people.